Chapter 3.

9 – Simulation and Real Time Processing

What is real time processing?

Real time processing means the processing carried out by a computer system to alter the system
before the world around the system alters the system. The system should process and output data
without a significant delay.

Diagram of a control system

Changes in the
environment
Actuator

Control signals Sensor

(Analog)
Input signals
(Analog)

Digital to analog converter (DAC) Analog to digital converter (ADC)

Control signals Digital

(Digital) signals

Microprocessor

What is a sensor?

A sensor is a device which accepts signals (mostly analog) from the environment and inputs the
signals to a computer.

Sensors can be divided into two categories according to the mechanism it uses to input data to the
micro-processor. They are as follows;

1. Spring Mechanism
2. Variable voltage mechanism.

What is spring mechanism?

This is a mechanism which physically changes something or some part in the sensor.
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Examples of sensors using spring mechanism

1. Sensors used in Pressure pads

Pressure pads are used in control systems such as burglar alarms, automatic doors (actuators
are motors).

2. Sensors used in Bumpers

Bumpers are used in robotic vehicles. When the bumper hits an object it creates a signal
and this signal is NOT sent to the micro processor. The signal is sent automatically to the
motor and the wheel is being turned.

What is variable voltage mechanism

The mechanism by which the data from the environment is converted to an electric voltage which
changes in value continuously according to the intensity of the data.

Examples of sensors using variable voltage mechanisms

1. Temperature sensors
2. PH sensors
3. Light sensors

What is an actuator?

An actuator is the device that can accept a signal from the computer and convert it into a physical
movement. (Example: a motor)

What is a model?

A model is a set of mathematic equations which represents a real life situation.

What is simulation?

Inputting data to a model and studying its behavior is called “Simulation”.

What is data logging?

Data logging means collecting and inputting data to a micro processor or a computer at regular
time intervals.

Example: Weather forecasting system.

What are the sensors used in weather forecasting?

1. Temperature sensors
2. Wind speed sensors
3. Rainfall sensors
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4. Humidity sensors
5. Atmospheric pressure sensors.

What is the output methods used to present information of a weather forecasting system?

1. Graphics
2. Charts
3. Weather maps
4. Video clips

Why computer simulations are needed to test certain tasks or events?

1. The tasks may be impossible to perform otherwise (may be because the required technology
does not exist. Examples: 1. To train astronauts to land on Mars 2. To predict the damages
caused by a tsunami)

2. The task may be too costly to perform otherwise (Example: check the crash resistance of a car
of a new model by assessing the damages to it when it crashes against a wall)

3. The task may be too time-consuming to perform otherwise – Growing a plant for many
generations to study the mutations.

4. The task may be too dangerous to perform otherwise – To study the precautions to be taken in
the event of a blast in a nuclear power plant.

5. The task may be too hostile to humans (Example: to train operators of a nuclear reactor to deal
with emergencies)

6. The conditions of the task may be impossible to regenerate (Example: To predict the damages
caused by the blast of a huge volcanoe)

What is the difference between parallel processing and serial processing?

1. In serial processing only one processor is used.

In parallel processing more than one processor (or array of processors) is used.

2. In serial processing one processor processes all the instructions of the application.
In parallel processing multiple processors share the processing of the instructions of an
application.

3. In serial processing instructions are processed in a linear manner.

In parallel processing the instructions can be processed in a non-linear manner.

Why parallel architecture is needed for processing some simulations?

1. Such simulations require large amounts of processing

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2. Such simulations are time sensitive, which means that the processing has to be done very fast

3. Jobs involved in such simulations are interrelated

4. In such simulations several calculations are needed to be done at same time

5. The application can be processor bound, which means that processing needs the attention of
processing throughout the duration of the time of simulation.

What are examples of simulations which need parallel processing?

Weather forecasting

Describe how computers are used in creating a weather forecast

1. Use weather balloons, satellites and weather stations to collect weather data

2. Weather data are collected on present conditions about parameters such as wind speed,
humidity, temperature, atmospheric pressure etc.

3. Weather data are also collected on present conditions about those parameters at other locations
close to the required location.

4. Predict the values on the parameters

5. Match the predictions against actual results

What are the advantages involved in weather forecasters from wide geographical areas
communicate with each other electronically (using video conferencing) to discuss unusual
weather conditions?

1. No travel involved

2. Documents and maps can be shown to each other easily and quickly

3. Discussions can be held in real time

4. Saves time in an application which is time sensitive

5. Many people may be involved in giving rise to discussions

A robot is being developed to carry out procedures in a nuclear reactor. Give reasons why
simulation would be used in testing the design of the robot

1. Production of a test prototype would be very expensive.

2. Production of a test prototype would be very time consuming

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3. The circumstances need to be produced which may not be able to be reproduced

4. Situations can be produced which may never arise in ordinary testing

5. The situations may be too dangerous to test in reality

A robot lawn mower is being developed for sale to the general public. Suggest why
simulation is not appropriate for the development of this robot.

1. No positive reasons of time and or danger involved with the circumstance under which the
lawn mower is used

2. Impossible to simulate a physical action like cutting grass

3. Large quantity of lawn mowers can be sold so that the production cost of a prototype can be
recovered.

2006 Nov Cambridge AL Paper 3 Question 8

A robot is designed to move over a surface. It must be aware of the immediate environment in
order to avoid obstacles.

(a) The robot is designed to travel around the floor of a factory. State two input and two output
devices that would be necessary for the robot to move safely. [4]

(b) Another robot is designed to travel on the surface of the planet Mars.

(i) Describe how a map of its environment can be created in the computer memory of the
robot. [2]

(ii) Explain the need for simulation in the design and testing of this robot. [2]

(c) Each of the robots can be controlled by a human being.

Explain why one robot be controlled in real-time while the other is given instructions as a
batch. [2]

Answers

(a) Input devices are: proximity sensors, radar infra red

Output devices are: wheels, motors, steering, lights, alarm, speakers

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(b) (i) Optical sensors and radar (used to detect obstacles. Positions determined by angular
bearing from a reference point and distance from radar)

(ii) Simulation is needed in design because of the large cost of producing a the real robot.
Simulation is needed in testing because it is not possible to test the robot in the real
environment.

(c) The factory robot is physically available to people to control it and therefore the human being
has time to send signals to the robot to control it in real-time.
Robot operating in Mars is not physically available to people to control it and is a long
distance away. Therefore the instructions have to be batched and sent with the robot because
it takes a long time for the instructions to reach Ma